Over the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to building more equitable systems through leadership in mental health services, human rights advocacy, and community-centered development. My path has taken me across sectors — from education and foster care to international development and executive leadership — and I’ve always remained focused on one thing: advocating for trauma-informed, sustainable change that uplifts the voices of those most often unheard.

I dreamed of being a psychologist since 2nd grade in Elementary School when I saw children being pulled out of class by a School Psychologist to receive supportive services during the school day. This lead to my desire to study psychology. My early training in clinical psychology grounded me in psychoeducation and advocacy for vulnerable populations, including children with special needs, families navigating systems, and older adults. I began as a special education teacher and behavior interventionist, and while in graduate school, I worked in Miami-Dade County Public Schools department of Psychological Services, supporting underserved students. That work deepened when I became project manager for a Medicaid Alzheimer’s pilot, which I helped grow from just a few families to over 250 through community-based outreach, assessments, and psychoeducation for caregivers.

From there, I stepped into leadership as Assistant Administrator of a foster care and adoptions agency in Southern California. I collaborated with local, state, and national stakeholders to champion the rights and wellbeing of youth in care — developing prevention protocols, performance measures, and standardized assessments, all while overseeing daily operations.

My work then extended internationally through my role at Heartland Alliance, where I led programs for unaccompanied immigrant youth. As Director, I oversaw comprehensive services — mental health, education, reunification, and more — while partnering with global relief organizations to ensure youth and families received the care they deserved. Through grant-funded research and American Psychological Association -supported initiatives, I also helped create inclusive, equitable workplace practices for immigrants across the Midwest.

Internationally, I had the opportunity to complete fieldwork in South Africa and Germany as part of my doctorate in international psychology. In Johannesburg, I worked directly with social service agencies to build trauma-informed interventions, while in Berlin, I partnered with global consultants to explore corporate responsibility and systemic impacts on individuals. These experiences sharpened my systems thinking and broadened my approach to organizational wellness and justice.

In my most recent leadership role as Director of Outpatient and Residential Services at Riveredge Hospital — the largest free-standing psychiatric hospital in Illinois — I oversaw multiple programs across the continuum of care. From specialized residential services to outpatient clinics and inclusion initiatives, I led with a focus on access, cultural sensitivity, and integrity.

Today, I bring these experiences to private practice at Balance Psychotherapy and through my consulting work with organizations. I support leaders, professionals, and mission-driven teams navigating trauma, transitions, and systems change. I also teach as adjunct faculty at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology — a full-circle moment, blending practice, teaching, and mentorship.

I live in Chicago with my husband, two daughters, and our Australian Cattle Dog, Bluey (yes, named after the cartoon). As a family we love to travel, enjoy outdoor festivals, and we dream of being future baking champions. Whether I’m supporting a leader through burnout, training a team on inclusive practices, or building a program from the ground up, my work remains grounded in advocacy, healing, and equity.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Psychology, Specialization in Organizations & Systems, The Chicago School, Chicago, Illinois

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida

Professional Affiliations

American Psychological Association: Divisions of International Psychology & Consulting Psychology

Illinois Psychological Association

Psi Chi National Honor Society

Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health- Illinois